Tchaikovsky's 'Rococo Variations ' for euph & band in Ch

[Alex F]

The world premier of Tchaikovsky's 'Variations on a Rococo Theme' for euphonium and band was performed on Sunday, March 18, 2007, in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, by the Mt. Prospect Community Band and Guest Solo Euphoniumist Richard Armandi. This work, originally for cello and orchestra, was arranged for euphonium and symphonic band by Paul Erwin.

I, along with about 500 others listeners, was pleased to attend the concert and hear this work. Rich played with a palette of tone colors that varied from deep and full to light and "skippy" depending on the nature of the variations. There are a some tough articulations in the piece, particularly in some of the latter variations, and Rich played these with great artistry. The audience was very appreciative of both his efforts and that of the band.

BTW: Rich played this on a YEP-321 - more evidence that the focus must be on the player and not the horn.

Good job Rich! Thanks for introducing this work to the euphonium repetoire.